A PRACTICAL INTERVENTION TO ADDRESS EAR AND LUNG-DISEASE IN ABORIGINAL PRIMARY-SCHOOL CHILDREN OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Australian Aboriginal populations have an extremely high prevalence of lung disease and ear disease. In addition to an improvement in socio- economic conditions, implementation of strategies to address the probl em, within the limitations of present conditions, is needed. A 5 month trial was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a school-base d intervention programme involving nose blowing, deep breathing and co ughing combined with exercise performed daily This was a community-bas ed trial, designed to give priority to cultural and ethical considerat ions, to be non-intrusive and to utilize local skills and resources. R esults of the trial showed that signs of upper and lower respiratory t ract disease and pulmonary function measurements were statistically si gnificantly improved. Hearing levels showed no statistically significa nt change. The programme met with a good response from children and te achers. This study does suggest that this strategy may help address th e existing problems of lung and ear disease in Aboriginal primary scho ol children, providing some immediate benefits within the limitations of the present socio-economic conditions.